FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FETCHERS’ SERVICES.

I provide dog walking services in Farnham, Wrecclesham, Rowledge, The Bourne and surrounding areas. Pet Sitting coverage extends slightly wider. Contact me to discuss your requirements - if I can’t help, I may be able to direct you to someone who can.

Up to 4 dogs. Guidance from industry bodies and local authorities generally recommends up to 6 dogs, but I keep below this as I feel it gives opportunity for play and socialisation without being overwhelming for the dogs being in larger groups. It also ensures every dog in my care gets maximum attention and has a fantastic time as part of a smaller group. This is what the Fetchers experience is all about - keeping things personal.

I walk at a number of carefully chosen locations, all of which have been checked for suitability. I vary the locations to give your dog maximum enrichment and to suit your dog’s preferences.

Group walks are an hour, not including the travel to/from the walk. If your dog requires a longer or shorter walk, the solo walks can be tailored to your dog’s specific needs.

During our introductory meeting we’ll agree approximate times for your dog’s walks. These are the times for the actual walk and your dog will be collected slightly before this to allow for travel, and similarly arrive home shortly after the walk time as a result of the journey back. Every effort is taken to stick as closely to these times as possible.

No. In most cases, clients choose to leave a key with me so that I can collect and drop off when you’re not at home. Your key is kept safe and is never labelled with your home details.

Yes. In fact I insist on this and will not begin services without having met you and your dog first. I will come and meet you go through some questions to ensure I understand your dog and their needs. This meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask me any questions.

I am qualified to the Professional Dog Walker Certification level having completed and been assessed by the Modern Dog Walkers Association (MDWA) and Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT). I am also Canine Health & First Aid trained and certified. I continue to build my knowledge and expand my training and qualifications to enable me to give even better care for your dog.

My van is professionally fitted-out to ensure the crate space is both safe and comfortable. Each dog is transported in their own secure crate, never sharing a space. The van has been insulated which keeps it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, along with air conditioning and ventilation to minimise risk of overheating for the dogs when being transported. It’s a comfortable and clean environment for their short journey to and from our walking destination, and with group walks being a maximum of four dogs it means they never have to spend too much time in transit. 

When it’s raining, we get wet! When temperatures start to creep up, I take precautions and walk in shaded areas and carry plenty of water at all times. When it gets too hot though, I won’t walk the dogs during the hottest parts of the day as it becomes a danger to them and I’ll contact you to discuss other care options until normal services can resume. If we are on a walk and weather conditions change and become a danger (such as thunder/lightening storms or high winds) I will assess and may decide to cut short the walk for the safety of the dogs, as this is always priority.

In an emergency I will contact you immediately to let you know what has happened. If urgent veterinary care is needed I will take your dog to your nominated veterinary practice or the nearest vet as deemed necessary. 

Yes. I am fully insured. Public liability insurance is included in this cover. Proof of insurance can be provided on request and will be shown at the start of any consultation meeting with you.

That’s okay. We’ll discuss during the consultation meeting, but if your dog needs to be kept on-lead during the walk (for whatever reason) then that’s what I’ll do. On-lead walks can still allow for enrichment opportunities, with plenty of sniffing and exploring to be done. There’s also the option of long-lines to provide your dog with some extra space without the fear of them running away, but again this would be discussed with you and a plan agreed upon.

Solo walks can be tailored to suit your dog. I can adapt the length and pace of the walk and where we go, so we can avoid hills and walk on softer ground that is kinder to the dog’s joints. During the consultation meeting, I ask questions to get a full picture of your dog’s health which then helps us create a plan which is suited to your dog.

Yes. If your dog is nervous and non-aggressive I’ll provide solo walks at some quieter locations where we can have a peaceful walk with plenty of exercise and enrichment. As confidence builds, we can try (with your consent) some slow introductions with other friendly dogs.

I come to your home and care for your pets (and your home) in the same way you would. This includes everything they need; walks, feeding, play, and any medications. I can provide care throughout a day or stay overnight if you are away for an extended period. Your dogs will need to be familiar with being left at home for short periods while I complete other group walks, but I’d then be based at your home to provide care and play and some lovely walks. I’ll send you regular updates so that you know everything is being looked after. If you’re away on holiday and need the bins put out and plants watered, that’s no problem, just let me know during the consultation meeting. 

It’s entirely reasonable that you’ll have this concern. I am DBS checked to show that I have no record of any criminal activity, proof of which can be provided on request. I am also happy to provide references so that you can gain reassurance that I am trustworthy and reliable.

Absolutely. I fully respect that I’m entering your home and I don’t abuse that trust. You won’t find me making a mess, everything will be left as you left it. It’s only ever me that will enter your home and I make sure during the consultation meeting that I understand where everything is that I’ll need so that I leave everything else undisturbed. You shouldn’t even know I’ve been there, although for obvious reasons you need to know I have been! If you have any concerns, please just raise these with me so I can put your mind at ease.

My pet sitting services involve me caring for your dog/pets at your home and in their familiar surroundings and normal routines. If you are looking for ‘away from home’ boarding or daycare services, I can put you in touch with people who provide this.

Please refer to the terms and conditions document provided as part of the client onboarding process. A copy of the terms and conditions can be provided on request.